Story
If you have ever sung in a choir or played in an orchestra or a band you will know the amazing feeling of making music together with others.
In August last year I became the conductor of the town wind band in Jajce, a small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina is still recovering from the effects of the civil war that took place here in the early 90s. Socially, politically and economically the country is struggling. In a town where schools are divided along ethnic lines this wind band is one of the few organisations in the town which is open to everyone regardless of ethnic background. It is also the only place in town where people can learn to play wind instruments.
In a town where schools are divided along ethnic lines this wind band is one of the few organisations in the town which is open to everyone regardless of ethnic background.
I have a group of 12 and 13 year olds who I am teaching to prepare them to join the band but we don't have enough instruments for them to play. Musical instruments don't last forever and many of the instruments owned by the wind band are very old and don't work anymore. The band has a very small income and so it is hard for them to buy new instruments. Because of this I am running Split Half Marathon on 23rd February to raise money to buy two clarinets for my group of future band members.
Music can bring people together who would never have otherwise met. In a country which is ethnically divided this is really important. Playing music brings joy, helps build self esteem, develops listening and communication skills, encourages perseverance and can bring relief from stress. Being part of the band will also give these young people the opportunity to travel to other towns and even other countries to take part in wind band festivals.
But you can't play in a band without an instrument! So please help us raise the money we need by sponsoring me to run the Split Half Marathon on 23rd February!
Thank you so much.
Rowan
